DE1673571A1 - Pressurized program control device - Google Patents

Description

DIPL.-ING. A. GRClNECKeR 8000 MONKS 22

Maximilianstrasse 43. Η. KINKELDEY

Telephone2971 00 / 2W44

D R.-ING. W. STOGKM Al R, Ae. E. (cauf.jnst, oftechn.) TelegrammeMonapatMünchen

PATENT LAWYERS. . -. Telex 05-28380

General Gas Light Company

Kalamazoo, 'Michigan, USA P 1868-27 / Hä

Pressure fluid operated program control device

The present invention relates to a fluid operated Program control device, in particular counting device for counting a predetermined number of signals during a Operating period, e.g. by giving "a single one at a time Output signal when subjected to a number of input signals.

While the principle of the invention in a wide range of Systems and uses it went out the need for a device that can record or count any, very small or even very large number of signals and when acted upon by a number of Input signals can emit a single output signal.

The device according to the invention is mainly used for Pneumatic program control systems suitable, also with automatic Machine tools are used. It can, for example, be used in an automatically controlled drilling machine

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Bank accounts; K Authäuser, Munich 173533 Deutsche Bank, Munich 16/25078 Postal checking account Munich 44212

be used with a number of similar drilling operations is to be carried out on a single workpiece. When six drilling operations are carried out on the workpiece in sequence are to be, six input signals are fed to the device, one for each drilling process. When feeding Of the sixth signal, the device will also transmit an output signal that can be used for any purpose can be found, e.g. to switch on a conveyor device for the further movement of the workpiece to the next processing station. However, the device according to the invention is also suitable for other uses, and the example mentioned serves only to explain without limiting the invention.

Known counting devices, in particular those for controlling valves, use a pressure medium-actuated, reciprocating one Device with a pawl which is in drive connection with a driven ratchet wheel. The latter is in a series of laterally successive rotary steps when the fluid-actuated device is moved back and forth goes. This rLmmt a number of signals or pulses, whereby the ratchet wheel by a number of steps in one Direction advances until the exit valve is open. However, such devices generally require that an intermediate connection is provided between the ratchet wheel and the outlet valve or that a valve is used in the ratchet wheel functioning channel or passage is present. Such systems are either mechanically very complicated or they cause great difficulties in the required sealing.

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Another problem with the known counting devices is that high mechanical effort · Most known devices make use of complicated mechanical systems that have a require sophisticated controls. As a result, these devices are not only expensive to manufacture, but also expensive they also require careful maintenance, i.e. they are uneconomical and not reliable in operation. Besides most known devices cannot be easily adjusted to a large number of different counting ratios, namely on different values of the number of input signals, the six outputs of an output signal are fed to the pressure medium-actuated device.

Object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages of known designs and an economically producible, simple design, low maintenance ait and therefore reliably operating device zn schaffenc. The aims of the invention also include _{: to provide} a pneumatic counting device which, when subjected to a predetermined number of input signals, sets an output device during an operating period or transmits a single output signal and conveniently applies to a large number of different ratios is adjustable between the input and output devices.

This task is in a device of the type mentioned at the beginning solved according to the invention by a movable input device responsive to a number of supplied signals, control means for selecting a predetermined number of signals during each period of operation of the apparatus, a cooperating with the entry facility and on the

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this supplied signals responding movable counting device with one swinging back and forth in a guide Counting element, which can be moved step-by-step as a function of the supply of the signals to the input device, one of output device actuated by the counting device after the predetermined number of signals has been supplied, and a device to return the counter to its starting position.

According to the invention, the input device is due to a Number of input signals moved back and forth, whereby a counting element, for example a driven ratchet wheel, is indexed in one direction until it reaches the output device based and operated, whereupon the counter and the output device returned to their initial positions will. When the output device is actuated, also the counter and the input device are returned to their initial positions, so that the device for the next process is ready for operation.

The invention provides that an input device for each input signal supplied by a predetermined amount is moved further and, with its movement, drives a counting member, for example a ratchet wheel, which after a predetermined Number of input signals with a control device in engagement, which actuates the output device, which in turn, to reset the device, the return of the control device, the counter element and the input device operated in their initial positions and steered automatically.

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The device according to the invention is suitable in connection carry out adding or multiplying operations with other similar devices.

The structure of a device according to the invention is described below according to an exemplary embodiment. This comprises a housing with a reciprocating input member, a movable counting member, a rotatable selector member and a reciprocating control member. A pressure medium input signal or pulse is fed to the input element, as a result of which the input element oscillates back and forth. It is in drive connection with the counting element, which is moved on in a first step based on the input signal. A stop is attached to the counting member which, after a predetermined number of steps, comes to rest on the control member and moves it further in a first direction in one direction. As a result of this movement, the control member comes into contact with a control valve which is moved into an open position so that the input signal is transmitted and an external consumer is impressed as the output signal. The pressure relief after the pressure medium input signal enables the input element, counter element, control valve and control element to be returned to their initial positions. The return of the counter to the initial position also allows the control member to return to its initial position, so that the control valve ¹ can close and the system is connected to the low-pressure side of the pressure system, that is, for example, is vented to atmospheric pressure, whereby the device is ready for a new one Operating period is ready. The selector element is turned on

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adjustable and determines the starting position of the counter element, so that the ratio between the number of input signals to the single output signal produced is convenient is adjustable.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments based on the drawing therein show:

Fig. 1 is a central view of a pressure medium-actuated according to the invention Program control device with a section along the line I-I from Fig. 2,

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the line II-II from FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line

III-III from Fig. 1,
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the front of the device with a selector button,

5 is an enlarged sectional view of an outlet valve; Fig. 6 is a diagram of the pressure medium control circuit of the device, Fig. a sectional view of a modified program control device according to the invention with a section along the line VII-VII from FIG. 8,

8 shows an end view of the device according to i "ig. 7 with a selection button,

9 is a diagram of the control circuit for the device, 10 shows a diagram with the use of two program control devices according to the invention for adding,

11 shows a scheme with the use of two program control devices according to the invention for multiplication, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of one at a typical valve used according to the invention.

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In the following description, a certain notation is used is used, which is only intended to serve as an explanation and is not intended to have a restrictive sense. The words "upwards", "downwards", "To the right" and "to the left" refer to directions in the respective figures of the drawing. The word "Forward" refers to the direction of movement of the counter or ratchet wheel within the device when it is acted upon with input signals, and the word "backwards" denotes the opposite direction. The information "inward" and "outward" refer to the directions to and from the geometric center of the device or its parts. The special notation mentioned does not only include the words mentioned, but also derivatives thereof and words with a similar meaning.

The apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 includes a housing 11 which may be made up of any convenient number of parts. In the Drawn embodiment, the housing 11 comprises a main part 12 with an end plate 13 »which is thus by suitable Means, for example screws 16, is connected. If necessary A suitable seal can be provided between the end plate 13 and the main part 12.

A cylindrical opening 17 is machined into the main part 12 of the housing 11, the end of which through an end wall 18 is completed, which forms part of the housing 11. The other end of the cylindrical opening 17 is all around with a large recess 19, the lower part of which forms a shoulder 21. Inside the recess 19 is a disc-shaped end cap 22 with an enlarged central part. The end cap 22 is held against the shoulder 21 by suitable means, for example a locking ring 23.

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Inside the cylindrical opening 17 is a general with 26 designated selection device (Fig. 2) is arranged. The selection device 26 comprises a counting element 27 »which is used as a switching or switching device. Ratchet wheel is formed, which is rotatably mounted on a cylindrical selector shaft 28. The selection axis 28 is within of the housing 11 rotatably supported by one end of the axis being received by a recess 29 in the end cap 22 is, while the other end of the axle is mounted in a circular opening in the end wall 18 and this interspersed. A dial 32 is on the outstanding Attached to the end of the selection axis 28 and fastened thereto by means of a transverse pin 33. The inner surface of the dial is provided with a number of angularly offset blind holes 36, the dimensions of which are sufficient to accommodate a pin include, which is rigidly attached to the end wall 18 and protrudes from her.

The central part of the selector shaft 28 located inside the cylindrical opening 17 has a rigidly attached radial bolt 38 provided, the ends of which protrude beyond the circumference of the dial axis, one end 39 protruding so far that it is as fixed stop can serve. A compression spring 41 surrounds the selection axis 28 and is between the radial bolt 38 and the End wall 18 arranged. One end of the compression spring 41 is located on the end wall 18, while the other end is on a pressure washer, which in turn is at the protruding ends of the radial bolt 38 is applied. The compression spring 41 tensions therefore the selection axis inwardly into the cylindrical opening 17 before (in Fig. 2 to the left), so that the pin 37 of a

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the blind holes 36 is added. However, as in Fig. 2 is clearly shown, there is considerable axial play between the stop 39 and the end wall 18, so that the whole selection device against the bias of the Spring 41 can be moved axially outward (to the right in FIG. 2) until the pin 37 is out of the blind hole 36 whereupon the dial 32 is rotated to a desired position can be. In this a desired blind hole 38 is aligned with the fixed pin 37, so that the compression spring 41, the selection device 26 is moved inward again and the pin 37 is received within the selected blind hole 36 will.

The counting member 27 is provided with a hub 47 that is integral therewith provided, which is freely rotatably mounted on the selection axis 28. An axial movement of the hub 47 of the counting member 27 is through Prevents their opposite ends from resting on the badial bolt 38 or on the end cap 22. The counting element also has a bolt 43 which is rigidly attached to it and extends axially beyond the surface of the counting member 47, so that it lies essentially in the same transverse plane as the radial bolt 39. The bolt attached to the counting member 27 43 thus serves as a movable stop. A torsion or Coil spring 46 surrounds the hub 47 and is with a End on the hub, with the other end firmly attached to the housing 11, so that they the counting member 27 in a return device biased (in Fig. 1 in the counterclockwise direction) to return the counter 27 to its initial position. That Counting member 27 is also provided with a pressure pin 48 which is located on the toothed periphery and closes it interspersed with a purpose explained below.

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The movement of the selection device 26 is controlled by an adjacent switching device, generally designated 49 (FIGS. 1 and 3). The switching device 49 comprises a piston 51 which is slidably mounted in the interior of a cylinder 52. This is incorporated into the main part 12 of the housing 11, the cylinder being closed by the end plate 13 and a sealing ring 53 preferably being located between the main part 12 and the bottom plate. In the center of the piston 51 a seal 56 is arranged all around, which quickly and slidingly rests against the inner wall of the cylinder 52, so that the seals 53 and 56 together enclose a pressure chamber 57 for the pressure medium between them. The side of the piston, which is located inside the pressure chamber 37 (left end in FIGS. 1 and 3), is provided with a pressure surface 58 which is acted upon by the pressure medium when the pressure chamber 57 is filled. The pressure surface 58 contains a small stop piece 73 protruding therefrom, which rests on the end plate 13 when the piston 51 - as shown in FIG. 1 - is in the retracted position. In this way, the stop piece prevents the pressure surface 58 from coming into contact with the end plate 13.

The other end of the piston 51 (right end in Fig. 1) is designed as a shaft 59 with a reduced diameter and surrounded by a compression spring 61 with a bath on a The collar 62 from the piston 51 and the other end rests against a shoulder 63 within the housing 11. By the compression spring 61 so the piston 51 is biased in its retracted position (to the left in Fig. 1).

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The piston 51 also has a longitudinal slot 66 (Fig. 3) »which extends over the length of the shaft 59 and beyond that, something protrudes into the main part of the piston 51. In the slot 66 there is a pawl 67, which is connected to the piston 51 by means of a pin 68 which penetrates the shaft 59 and the pawl 67, so that the latter with respect to the piston 51 angular movements can perform. The pawl 67 is provided with a projection 69, the front surface of which is on the compression spring 61 is applied so that the pawl is biased into an initial position (Fig. 1) in which the rear surface of the projection 69 on the lower surface 70 of the longitudinal slot 66 rests. The pawl 67 is also provided with a nose

71 is provided, which is shaped so that it can come into engagement with the teeth and whose shape corresponds to that on the Scope of the ratchet wheel 27 are attached. A guide pin

72 is rigidly attached to the housing 11 and protrudes into the longitudinal slot 66, whereby a rotary movement of the piston 51 ** ^ cL of associated pawl 67 is prevented, so that the guide pin 72 the pawl 67 in the same plane how the counting member holds.

The switching device 49 described is actuated each time when pressure medium reaches the pressure chamber 57, so that the piston 51 is moved linearly forward (to the right in FIG. 1) and the nose 71 of the pawl 67 with the ratchet wheel 27 for Intervention is coming. The latter is thereby rotated in a first direction (clockwise in FIG. 1). After pressure relief of the pressure chamber 57, the spring 61 causes the piston 51 to return to its initial position, i.e. out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 27.

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However, in order to prevent the ratchet wheel or counting member 27 from returning to its initial position under the action of the spiral spring 46, a lock 76 is provided which holds or locks the ratchet wheel 27 in its position. The lock 76 comprises a piston 77 which is slidably supported in a cylinder 78 in the housing 12. The piston 77 has a main part with a pair of flanges 79 and 81, respectively, between which there is a sealing ring 82 which is attached to the inner wall of the cylinder 78 quickly and smoothly. One end of the piston 77 also forms a head, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the cylinder 78, so that it is surrounded by an annular chamber 86. One end of the annular chamber 86 is formed by a solid sealing ring 88, which is arranged within the main part 12 of the housing and slidably rests against the circumference of the head 83, while the other end of the annular chamber 86 is formed by a collar which is placed between the head 83 and the flange 79 is present.

The other end of the piston 77 carries a shaft 89 which is slidably mounted in a cylinder 91 formed in the housing 11 and having a smaller diameter. The diameter of the shaft 89 is smaller than that of the head 83 at the other end of the piston, so that there is a larger annular chamber 92 between the circumference of the shaft 89 and the inner wall of the cylinder. The annular chamber 92 is closed by a shoulder 93 formed in the housing 11 and a collar or a pressure surface 96 which is located between the shaft 89 and the flange 81. Since the shaft 89 is smaller in diameter than the head 83, the pressure surface 96 is significantly larger than the corresponding surface in the annular chamber 86

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The shaft 89 also has a tooth 97 at one end which can be brought into engagement with the teeth on the circumference of the ratchet wheel 27 so that the piston 77 practically acts as a pawl that prevents the ratchet wheel 27 from moving back . The end of the shaft 89 is also provided with a cutout 98 so that a fixed guide pin 99 can reach through. This prevents a rotary movement of the piston 77 with respect to the housing 11, while the piston 77 can perform a reciprocating movement in the housing 11, so that the tooth 97 can be brought into engagement with the teeth on the ratchet wheel 27.

Close to the ratchet wheel 27 in the housing 11 is a control device 101 arranged, which comprises a cylindrical slider 102, which within a bore 103 on the main part 12 is slidingly mounted. The slider 102 is provided with a longitudinal slot 106 provided, the width of which is sufficient to accommodate the edge of the ratchet wheel -27 therein, as clearly shown in FIG is shown. In addition, the slider 102 has a transverse slot 107 which is delimited by side surfaces 108, 109 which are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the slider 102 get lost. The transverse slot 107 ensures the necessary play for the movement during operation of the device Pressure pin 48 which is attached to the periphery of the ratchet wheel 27. The slider 102 is provided with an end piece 110, which has an extension 111 of reduced diameter which is inserted in a bore 112 formed in the housing 11 (Fig. 5) is slidably guided. The approach 111 cooperates with a valve arrangement 113 described below.

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As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, it is coaxial aligned with the slider 102, an outlet valve 113 operable by this is arranged. It is located within a bore 116 in the main part 12 of the housing 11, the end of the bore 116 through the end plate 13 is completed, which contains a suitable sealing ring 117 between itself and the main part 12, In the bore 116 a fixed valve sleeve is also arranged, which has a coaxial channel in its longitudinal center 119, at the ends of which there are oppositely directed conical valve seats 121, 122. The next to the Valve seats 121, 122 located ends of the valve bushing 118 are formed as chambers 123 and 126, respectively. In the Fixed valve sleeve 118 is a movable valve piece 127, which has a valve spindle 128 with elastic valve elements 129, 131 at opposite ends. Conical valve surfaces 132 and 133 are formed on the valve elements 129, 131 in such a way that they form a seal can rest on the valve seats 121 and 122, respectively.

The valve piece 127 has a stem stub 136 which protrudes from one end and from a compression spring 137 is surrounded, the ends of which bear on the one hand on the movable valve piece 127 and on the other hand on the end plate 13, so that the movable valve piece 127 is in its initial position is biased (in Fig. 1 to the right). The elastic valve element 129 with the conical valve surface 132 therefore normally rests against the fixed valve seat. At the other end of the movable valve piece 127 is an integral piston 138 is provided, which is a pair

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Has flanges 139 »14-1 which slide against the chamber 126, the outer end of which is effectively closed or sealed by a sealing ring 142 between the flanges One end of the chamber 126 is therefore effectively closed off by a movable pressure surface 146 on the flange 139. The other flange 141 has an end face 147 which rests on the shoulder 111 of the end piece 110 can come.

The switching device 49, the lock 76 and the valve device 113, pressure medium can be supplied through a number of channels and passages which are provided in the main part 12 of the housing 11 are formed. This has in detail an inlet 148 which is in communication with the bore 116, which in turn is connected to the annular chamber 86 by means of a channel 149. A similar channel 151 connects the ring chambers 86 with the pressure chamber 57 »which surrounds the actuating piston 51. After connecting the inlet 148 to a suitable one The source of pressure medium is the bore 116 next to the movable valve piece 127, the one surrounding the locking piston 77 Annular chamber 86 and the pressure chamber 57 surrounding the actuating piston 51 always in connection with that of the Source of outgoing pressure and under his pressure.

The housing 11 is also provided with a control connection 152, that can be connected to any consumer or output device, the one Pressure pulse signal is to be supplied. The control connection 152 is connected to the channel 119 via a radial channel 153 Connection, which is also in the fixed valve socket 118

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is arranged. This additionally contains a radial channel which is also connected to the central channel 119 156, which in turn is connected to a housing channel 157, which in the larger annular chamber 92 of the lock flows out.

The housing 11 is also provided with a third connection, namely the outlet 159 which is connected in a suitable manner the low-pressure side of the system is connected and if necessary (in the case of compressed air as pressure medium) with the atmosphere can be connected. The outlet 159 faces a radial channel 158 in the fixed valve sleeve 118, which in turn is in communication with the chamber 126 located therein. The fixed valve sleeve 118 is preferred provided with a number of sealing rings 161 to 163, on the one hand on the circumference of the valve sleeve 118 and on the other hand, abut sealingly on the housing 11, so that leaks between the relevant channels and passages be prevented.

The diagram in Fig. 6 shows the various passages which are in the housing 11 for connecting and controlling the pistons and the control valves are arranged. In the example shown, a main pressure line 166 is from the pressure medium source S connected to inlet 146. That through this Incoming pressure medium reaches the bore 116 and loads the movable valve piece 127 · in a similar manner pressure medium reaches in from the source S via the channel 149 the annular chamber 86, so that the locking piston 77 in the

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BATH ORIGINAL

T673571

Engagement with the ratchet 27 is pressed. The pressure medium also passes through the annular chamber 86, the channel 151 into the pressure chamber 57 for actuating the switching piston 51

The central channel 119, which is generally closed by the control valve or valve piece 27, is connected to the control connection 152, which in turn is connected to an external consumer. In addition, the channel 119 is connected to the channel 157, which is connected to the larger annular chamber 92 and controls the countermovement of the locking piston 77. Furthermore, the channel 119 is connected to the chamber 126 which is connected to the outlet 159 which leads to the low pressure side of the system, for example the atmosphere.

The forward movement of the reciprocating slide 102 (in Figure 1 to the left) causes the approach 111 to the movable valve piece 127 comes to rest, which is thereby moved into its open position. As a result, will the pressure pulse from the inlet chamber 116 on the one hand via the valve 127 to the consumer and on the other hand to the larger one Annular chamber 92 transmitted so that the holding pawl or the tooth 97 is released from engagement with the ratchet wheel 27. The release of the ratchet wheel 27 enables the spring 137 to return the valve piece 127 to the normal closed position. whereby the annular chamber 92 and the control connection 152 can be brought into communication with the outlet 159.

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The method of operation of the device described is explained below. At the beginning of an operating period of the Device is the actuating piston 51 »the ratchet wheel 27 and the movable valve piece 127 in their initial positions. By means of the spring 61, the actuating piston 51 pressed against the end plate 13 (Fig. 1). Accordingly, the coil spring 46 presses the ratchet wheel 27 in its initial position (in Fig. 1 in the counter-clockwise direction), so that the movable Stop 43 comes to rest against the fixed stop 39. The movable valve piece 127 is followed by the spring 157 pressed right into the position shown in Fig. 1, in which the elastic valve element 129 on the valve seat 121 rests so that the central channel 119 is closed and no connection between the inlet 148 and the Control connection 152 exists. Before commissioning, the Operator first the selection axis 28 axially outward (in Figure 2 to the right) until the fixed pin 37 completely out of the Blind hole 36 in the selector knob 32 has come out. Then will the selector knob 32 brought into the desired angular position, whereby the required counting ratio is selected. It it is assumed that the operator has turned the selector knob 32 to position 6 (FIG. 4), so that the fixed stop 39 was rotated accordingly into a position in which the device delivers a ratio of 6: 1. After hiring of the ratio, the operator can let go of the selector button or let it loose so that the compression spring 41 presses the selector axis 28 axially inward (in FIG. 2 to the left) until the fixed pin 37 is in engagement with the corresponding blind hole 36 of the selector knob 32.

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During the adjustment process described, the tooth of the piston 77 is not in engagement with the toothing of the ratchet wheel 27, so that due to the biasing action of the spiral spring 46, the movable stop pin 43 always rests on the selector stop 39 and therefore follows its movement into the selected position.

When starting up, a first pressure medium pulse or a signal is transmitted via the main pressure line 166 and the inlet 148 into the bore 116 and through the channel 149 into the annular chamber 96 and through the channel 151 into the pressure chamber surrounding the actuating piston 51. The occurrence of the pressure medium signal within the annular chamber $ 6 causes the pressure medium to reach the pressure surface or the collar 87, so that the locking piston 77 is moved forward (to the right in i "ig.1) and the tooth 97 with the toothing on the circumference of the indexing wheel 27. Correspondingly, the occurrence of a first pressure signal in the pressure chamber 57 causes the pressure medium to act on the pressure surface 58 of the actuating piston 51 'so that the latter is moved forward and the indexing pawl 67 engages the teeth of the driven indexing wheel 27, whereby The indexing wheel 27 is moved forward by a small angular amount against the helical spring 46. During this forward movement, the teeth of the indexing wheel 27 push the retaining tooth 97 radially outward so that at least one tooth of the indexing wheel 27 passes it As a result of the pressure in the annular chamber, the retaining pawl or tooth 97 is washed in rts moved so that it again with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 27 for engagement

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arrives and this thereby to the return to the previous one Prevents position.

During this first section of movement, the moves Stop bolt en 43 away from the fixed selection stop 39, see above that there is no longer any contact. Accordingly, the pressure pin 48 experiences a during the first movement section small angular displacement. When the pressure is released after the first pressure pulse, the spring 61 causes the piston to return out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 27 · The retaining pawl or the tooth 97 remains in engagement with the ratchet wheel 27, since no restoring force acts here, which would return the element 97 to its initial position.

Similarly, by feeding, they become sequential Pulses to the device of the piston 51 and the associated pawl 67 are linearly advanced with each pulse, so that the ratchet 67 comes into engagement with the ratchet wheel 27 and advances it by one step, with it in the new Position is held by the retaining pawl or the tooth 97. At the end of the fifth pulse, the pressure pin 48 has moved away far enough away from its initial position that it is approximately at the end surface 109 of the transverse slot 107 in the slider 102 is applied (Fig. 1). If the sixth pressure pulse is now fed to the device, the ratchet wheel 27 moves one step further turned forward, the pawl 67 holding the ratchet wheel 27 in its new position. During the sixth movement segment, the pressure pin 48 grips the side surface of the transverse slot 107 and thus causes a shift of the

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Slider 102 in the housing 11 (in Fig. 1 to the left). As a result of the movement of the slider 102, its approach 111 on the end face 14-7 of the movable valve piece 127 to the system and moves it against the action of the spring 137 (to the left in Fig. 1) by moving the valve piece 127 to the left, the elastic valve element 129 is lifted from the valve seat ^, while at the same time the elastic Valve element 131 comes into contact with the conical valve seat 122 in a sealing manner.

The opening of the control valve or valve element 129 allows the sixth pressure medium pulse to be transmitted through the central channel 119, the radial channel 153 and the control connection 152 into the consumer line and from there to an external consumer. In addition, the sixth pressure pulse is also transmitted through the channels 156, 157 into the larger inlet chamber 92. Since the pressure surface 96 of the pressure chamber 92 is larger than the collar 87 in the annular chamber 86, the piston 77 is moved to the left (lig.1), so that the tooth 97 bms comes out of engagement with the toothing on the circumference of the ratchet wheel 27 while the ratchet wheel 27 is held in its new position in the course of the sixth pressure pulse only by the pawl 67. This maintains its position in engagement with the ratchet wheel 27 for the entire duration of the sixth pressure pulse.

This position is maintained even after the sixth pressure pulse has ended, whereupon that in the pressure chamber 57 and pressure medium located in the annular chamber 86 flows back through the inlet 148. Since the valve element 129 is still in

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the open position, the pressure medium comes out the consumer line 152 and the larger annular chamber 92 also back through inlet 148. This continues until the pressure acting on the piston 51 in the chamber 57 drops to an amount at which the tension of the compression spring 61 is sufficient to push the piston 51 back into its initial position (to the left in FIG. 1). When the piston 51 returns to its initial position, the action on the ratchet wheel 27 acting coil spring 46 whose rotation (in Fig. 1 in the counterclockwise direction) in its initial position, in which the movable stop bolts 4-3 on the fixed stop 39 is present.

The return movement of the ratchet wheel 27 to its initial position causes the pressure pin 48 to disengage from the side surface 109 reaches the slider 102. If the pressure pin 48 has released the slider 102, it affects both of the movable valve piece 127 acting tension of the spring 137 the displacement of the valve piece 127 and the Slider 102 to the right in the initial position (Fig. 1), so that the elastic valve element 129 again on the conical Valve seat 121 rests in a sealing manner. In this position, the central channel 119 is in connection with the Chamber 126, which in turn is connected to outlet 159. Another consequence is that the larger annular chamber 92 and the consumer line are connected to the outlet 159, so that remaining pressure medium pass through can and is discharged to the low pressure side of the system. In this way, the annular chamber 92 is relieved of pressure, whereupon the Retaining pawl or tooth 97 after a new one has been supplied. Pressure pulse in turn can be moved to the right into engagement with the ratchet wheel.

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From the above description it can be seen that the program control device six pressure medium pulses were supplied, with only the sixth pulse to an external consumer is transmitted, possibly via delay devices, not shown. At the end of the sixth pulse, the device is returned to its initial operating position and is now ready for the start of a new operating period. The corresponding counting ratio can be set by simple Setting the selection button by the operator to any of the predetermined positions can be selected so that the device when exposed to a predetermined number of input pulses only transmits a single pulse to the consumer.

The program controller of the present invention is preferably air pressure actuated, as in most Compressed air is available in sufficient quantities during production stands. However, the program controller is also for use with any compressible or non-compressible Pressure medium suitable.

7 to 9, a modified program control device according to the invention is shown, the housing 211 a Main part 212 as well as terminating pieces 213 »214 attached thereto. End plates 217 »218 fastened to them are connected to these via suitable seals 216.

The end plate 218 is provided with an inlet 219 which is suitably connected to any source of pressure medium can be. The inlet 218 is in communication with a bore 221 in which a piston 222 is the input member

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slidably mounted with a shaft 223 integral therewith is. A compression spring 224 surrounds the shaft 223 and presses the piston 222 into its retracted position (in FIG. 7 to the left). The shaft 223 extends into a central opening 226 and carries one thereon by means of a pivot pin 228 pivotally mounted drive pawl 227. A U-shaped spring 229 pushes the pawl 227 clockwise around the Pivot pin 228 around.

The drive pawl 227 has a nose or a tooth 231, which is pressed by the spring 229 into engagement with a toothed rack 232 acting as a contact piece. The rack 232 has a generally rectangular cross-section and is slidably mounted in an opening or recess 233, which is provided in the main part 212. The rack 232 has a plurality of teeth 236 on a longitudinal surface, which with the Tooth 231 of the drive pawl 227 interact. Internally the rack 232 is a recess 237 'which contains a spring 238 which the rack 232 in its Initial position next to the wall of the end piece 214- biased (to the right in Fig. 7). In addition, the rack 232 has a pin 2391 protruding from one side for the purpose will be explained further below.

The rack 232 is stepped by the drive pawl 227 moved forward (to the left in Fig. 7). TJm to prevent that the rack 232 by means of the spring 238 in its initial position is pushed back, a lock 241 is provided. This includes a piston 242 in a housing

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211 attached bore 243 is slidably mounted. A retaining pawl 246 is fixedly connected to the piston 242 and provided with a tooth 247, which with the teeth 236 of Rack 232 cooperates or comes into engagement, the retaining pawl 246 normally being actuated by a spring 248 is held in engagement with the teeth 236. The leather 248 is namely between the retaining pawl 246 and a fixed one Plate 249 preloaded accordingly. A fixed guide pin 251 slidably engages a slot 250 at the end of the Holding pawl 246 and guides it. When pressure medium is applied to the piston 242, the retaining pawl 246 is released from the Engagement with the rack 232 is moved (down in Fig. 7) so that the rack 232 is released and under the action the spring 238 returns to its initial position. However, because of the inclination of the teeth 236 and 247, the rack 232 are moved forward (to the left in FIG. 7) so that the retaining pawl 246 is pushed downward while the spring 248 is compressed and one of the teeth 236 slides past the tooth 247 which is returned to its initial position by the spring 248 and locks or locks the rack 232. stops after being advanced a distance equal to the pitch of a tooth.

On the side opposite the input member or piston 222, there is a selection device next to the rack 232 252. This comprises a support shaft 253 'which is mounted in bores 254, 255 so as to be axially movable and rotatable. On the support axis 253, a switching piece 258 is attached by means of a transverse pin 259, next to which a compression spring 261 is attached, wel-

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move the selector 252 to an initial position pretensioned. This position is limited by a snap ring 262 on the support axis 253 'which is on a surface of the end piece 214 strikes when moving the selection device 252 to the right. In the embodiment shown is the contact piece 258 is tubular and has a number of axially guided longitudinal slots 263 at one end These are evenly spaced around the circumference of the ear, but have different lengths The length of the slots 263 increases with increasing angle around the circumference of the tube. The length of the slots 263 is preferably a multiple of the step movement which the toothed rack 232 with when the piston 222 is acted upon an input signal and which is substantially equal to the pitch between two consecutive ones Teeth 236 on the rack 232 is. Therefore, the contact piece 258, for example, has six longitudinal slots, these have a length which is one-step apart (das is the distance between two consecutive teeth 236) progressively increases up to a six-step distance.

At the end of the support shaft 253, a dial 266 is firmly attached, which has a number of recesses 265 on its inside, which are provided with a provided in the end plate 218, spring-loaded ball catch 267 cooperates. This activates the dial 266 and associated dial 252 held in a certain angular position

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The dial 266 is numbered on its outer surface which correspond to the recesses 265 and therefore the longitudinal slots 263. In the embodiment shown, the selection button 266 has numbers from 1 to 6 which represent the six slots 26 $ in the contact piece 258 correspond. The position no. 1 corresponds to that slot 263 whose Length is equal to a one-step distance; the position Mr. 2 corresponds analogously to that slot 263, the length of which is equal to a two-step distance. The others Position numbers denote the length of the slot 263 »expressed in the number of steps. As shown in the drawing, the selection button is located 266 in position no. 6 with the associated slot so arranged with a length equal to a six-step distance is that the one located on the rack 232, of it protruding pin 239 engages in this slot. For this purpose the width of the slots 263 is slight larger than the diameter of the pin 239 »so that the latter during the linear forward movement of the rack 232 (in Fig. 7 to the left) can slide freely in it.

In the terminating piece 213 there is a normally in axial alignment with the selector device 252 or the switching piece 258 arranged closed first control valve 268, which serves as a working valve or output member. The control valve 268 can be of any type. It has a central shaft 311 that ends in a mechanical pressure piece 269, with play and preferably coaxial in one

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central channel 317 is located and coaxial valve elements 333, 334 (Fig. 12). The stem 311 and the valves are located in a cylindrical housing 312, the The interior is shaped to form valve seats 313 »314 are. The distance between the valves is chosen so that only one valve can rest against its seat.

A compression spring 271 is provided at the left end of the shaft 311, to preload this and the valves to the right. When there are no other forces acting on the shaft 311, press the spring 271 the valve 234 to the right against the seat 314, so that the chamber 316 is isolated from the central channel 317 and the valve is kept normally closed. As soon the shaft 311 is moved to the left against the spring 271, for example by a pressure element acting on the pressure piece 269 mechanical force, the valve element 334 is lifted from the valve seat 314, so that the inlet pipe 277 through the chamber 316 and past the valve seat 314- with the central channel 317 and consequently with the outlet pipe or the consumer outlet 278 is connected. The return the valves in the drawn right position connects the consumer outlet 278 with a vent.

A second control valve 272, axially aligned with the rack 232, has the same structure and carries at one end a pressure piece 273- The second control valve 272 is normally held in the closed position by compression spring 274, as shown in FIG. The return movement of the

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Rack 232 under the action of the spring 238 leaves the End face of the rack 232 come to rest on the pressure piece 273, so that the valve 272 against the spring 274- is opened.

The diagram in Figure 9 illustrates the various passages or channels in housing 211 which contain the pistons and control valves connect or control in it. A main pressure line 276 leads from an external pressure medium source to inlet 219 At this the inlet line 277 branches off and leads to the first control valve 268, to which the input pressure signal is transmitted as a result. Because the first control valve 268 is normally closed, inlet conduit 277 is normally closed. From the first control valve From 268, an outlet conduit 278 branches into a Consumer line 279 and a control line 281. The latter is further divided into an unlocking line 282 and a relief line 283. The unlocking line 282 leads to the piston 242 and controls its movement. The discharge line 283 leads to the second control valve 272, which is normally in the closed position. A vent line 284 of the second control valve 272 is in communication with the atmosphere.

To start up, the piston 222 is given a first pressure pulse of the pressure medium supplied, whereby the rack 232 is advanced by a distance that is approximately equal to a tooth spacing is. During this first movement step, the toothed rack 232 moves away from the piston or pressure piece 2731 so that the compression spring 274 closes the second control valve 272

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can. It is assumed that the dial is in position six. Then by feeding a second, third, fourth and fifth pressure pulse on the piston 222 moves the rack 232 by one step each and held in the new position by pawl 246. On the side of the fifth pulse, the pen has 239 traverse the length of the slot 263 so that it is approximately in contact with the end thereof. When feeding of the sixth pressure pulse to the piston 222, the rack 232 is advanced a further step, so that the on End of the slot 263 engaging pin 239 causes a displacement of the selection device 252, which on the pressure piece 269 comes to rest, whereby the first control valve 268 is opened.

The opening of the first control valve 268 allows the sixth pressure pulse is transmitted into the consumer line and from there to an external consumer. The sixth Pressure pulse is also transmitted to the unlocking line 282, so that the retaining pawl 246 from the rack 232 is deducted. The pressure medium also fills the load line 283, but cannot leak because the second control valve 272 is normally closed. Upon termination of the sixth pulse, the springs 238 and 261 move the rack 232 and the selector 252 to the right, so that the first control valve 268 close and pressure medium within the control line 281 or the relief line 283 can lock so that the retaining pawl 246 remains retracted.

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-51-

When the selector 252 is in its rightmost position has reached, it is in contact with the piston or pressure piece 273 and opens the second control valve 272, see above that pressure medium can flow out of the lines 278, 279, 281, 282 and 283, whereupon the retaining pawl 246 is again in Engages with the rack 232. At this point all parts have returned to their original position and are ready for a new operating period.

Fig. 10 shows schematically the arrangement in which the program control device according to the invention can be used to carry out adding processes. In the arrangement shown, a first and a second pneumatic counter are interconnected so that the dial setting of the second counter is added to the setting of the first counter. For example, if the count ¹¹ H "is desired, the pneumatic counter No. 1 is set to" 6 "and the pneumatic counter No. 2 is set to" 5 "with the respective dial.

In operation, a pneumatic input signal to the compressed air operated, normally open direction control valve 382 transmitted. This sends the signal via a channel 383 to the first pneumatic one Counter # 1. At signal # "6", air passes through meter # 1 and continues through an exhaust line to a shut-off valve 386. Compressed air is then fed through a duct 387 to the inlet of a vent valve 388

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and via a channel 389 to the control input of a compressed air operated Transfer valve 391. The latter is opened so that air from a compressed air connection 392 can pass through a channel 393. The air flowing through the switching valve 391 then becomes the control input of the directional control valve 382, which thereby from a first open position to a second position is brought, in which the inlet line 381 with a leading to the second pneumatic meter No. 2 channel 394 is in communication. The control valve 382 now directs the next five input signals to counter no. 2. At signal no. "5" to the second counter, i.e. at the total eleventh signal, air reaches the outlet indicated schematically with 396 via meter no. 2, but also through a channel 397 also to the control input of the vent valve 388. This is opened so that the channels 387 and 389 are vented to atmosphere and the switching valve 391 closes. The latter in turn interrupts the connection of the compressed air connection 392 to the system and thus allows the control valve 382 to return to its initial position, thereby turning the inlet conduit 3Θ1 is connected to the first pneumatic meter and that System is ready to start a new operating period.

The above example serves only to illustrate, without restricting the invention. Of course, any Number of pneumatic counters can be connected to one another in a suitable manner analogous to FIG. 10, so that the system

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acquires an adding capacity for arbitrary numbers. The one in Pig. 10 counter shown in the form of block diagrams comprise essentially the same structure and operate in essentially the same manner as the above has been described.

Fig. 11 shows schematically an arrangement in which a number of counters according to the invention can be used to carry out dividing operations. Here, too, the counters shown only in the block diagram are essentially constructed in the same way and have essentially the same mode of operation as described above. In the embodiment shown, an inlet line 401 is connected to the inlet of a first meter No. 1, so that a series of pressure pulses can be fed to it. An outlet line 402 from the No. 1 meter is connected to the inlet of the No. 2 meter. The outlet line 406 of meter no. 2 is connected to an external consumer 407. It is assumed that a multiplication or reduction by the factor "15 ^{11 is} desired. For this purpose, the selection button of counter No. 1 is set to" 5 "and the selection button of counter No. 2 is set to" 3 " Inlet line 401 into counter # 2, which operates in the manner described above, and at input # "52", air passes through counter # 1 into outlet line 402, the output of counter # 1 practically as an input for the counter no. 2 acts after the counter no. 1 has run through three complete operating periods, ie after fifteen input pulses have been supplied to it

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the counter no. 1 ge has an output pulse for each five input pulses are transmitted. At fifteen Input pulses to counter no. 1 are thus transmitted from it three output pulses, which are used as input pulses act on counter no. 2. The supply of the three input pulses to counter no. 2 ends with this one Operating period and allows the transmission of an output pulse to the consumer. In this way the Feeding of fifteen input pulses to counter no. Led to the transmission of an output pulse from counter no.2, which corresponds to a reduction or a multiplication ratio of 15si,

As can be seen from this explanation, the program controller is according to the invention both individually and in combination for counting any large or small numbers usable so that the device is conveniently adapted to a large number of different applications can be. Changes to the counting period require only a minimum of effort on the part of the operator, because the device and the operating period can be set simply by turning an external control knob, without that there is some disassembly or modification of the program control device need.

A major advantage of the device according to the invention is the low manufacturing and maintenance costs. The mechanical structure and its connections with the pressure line control system are in one

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very compact housing. The device is therefore extremely simple to use and maintain or maintain, see above that a high operational reliability is guaranteed

All advantages and features of the invention that emerge from the claims, the description and the drawing, including structural details and process steps can also be essential to the invention in any combination be.

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Claims (1)

Patent claims 1. Pressure medium-operated program control device, in particular counting device for counting a predetermined number of signals during an operating period, e.g. by emitting a single output signal when applied with a number of input signals, characterized by one of a number of supplied signals responsive movable input device, a control device for selecting a predetermined number of signals during each period of operation of the device, one with the input device cooperating and responsive to the signals supplied thereto movable counting device a counter element oscillating back and forth in a guide, which is dependent on the supply of the signals to the input device is incrementally movable, one of the counting device after feeding the predetermined number of Signals actuatable output device and a device to return the counter to its starting position. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals can be supplied in the form of pressure pulses and that the output device is a valve through which the predetermined Number of signals can be passed through. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the counting element is designed as a contact piece which has teeth which are connected or can be brought into connection with the input device in a force-locking manner. 209819/0059 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that that the contact piece is biased by a spring in an initial position and with a releasable lock is frictionally connected in this way or it can be brought about that the contact piece is fed after movement through the input device as a function of this Signals is held. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that that the releasable lock consists of a bolt and a piston connected to it with a pressure surface, the application of pressure medium to the disengagement of the bar causes away from the contact, which returns to its initial position under its spring load. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized by calibration n e t that the piston has a second pressure surface which is larger than the first pressure surface and which is applied with pressure medium, the bolt can be brought into engagement with the contact piece, so that it is held while Pressurizing the first pressure surface that Disengagement of the bolt causes away from the contact piece. 7. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that that the switching piece is designed as a reversibly rotatable ratchet wheel. 8. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that that the contact is designed as a linearly reciprocating rack. 209819/0059 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device is rotatably arranged and can be adjusted by turning to a desired number of signals per operating period. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device comprises a rotatable cylindrical selection element with a first stop, with which a second stop can be brought into contact on the counting member. 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 »characterized in that that the control device comprises a reciprocating and rotatable cylindrical part, that the selection element has a number of axially and circumferentially offset stops and that the counting member carries a pin which can be brought into contact with one of the stops. 12. Device according to claim 9 »characterized by calibration n e t that the control device is a rotatable cylindrical Selector element with a first stop pin projecting therefrom comprises that the counting member is rotatably mounted on the selector element and is provided with a second stop pin projecting axially therefrom, the two stop pins are arranged in the same transverse plane substantially, so that the return spring the counting member with its stop pin brings to the first stop pin to the plant and thereby determines the initial position, and that the selector in a desired starting position can be rotated and locked in this or can be locked. 209819/0059 13 · Device according to claim 12, characterized in that that the selection element is axially movable and provided with an adjusting knob which is by means of a pin-and-slot connection can be locked or snapped into place with respect to an associated fixed arrangement, as a result of which in a first Axial position located selection element is held in a desired angular position that by displacement of the selection element by hand in a second axial position, the selector element can be rotated to select the number of signals to be supplied to the device during each operating period and that the Selector element is biased by means of a spring in the first axial position, so that it is in the desired angular position can be locked or latched. Device according to claim 7 »characterized in that that the control device has a reciprocating movement and a rotatable cylindrical roller element having a number of axially and circumferentially offset stops, which are at a stop to the system br-IagVar. 15- device according to claim 1, characterized marked e t that the signals can be supplied in the form of pressure pulses of a pressure medium, that the output device from a valve for transmitting a single output signal of the pressure medium during each operating period of the device to an external consumer and that the valve is the automatic return of the counting device in their Initial position possible after the end of each operating period. 209819/0059 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that that the input means comprises a pressure piston, which together with the valve of the predetermined number can be interrupted by signals, whereupon the valve enables the transmission of the output signals. 17 · Device according to claim 16, characterized in that that the control device further a pressure medium-actuated unlocking for returning the counting member in has its initial position. 18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that that the unlocking comprises a bolt and a piston in drive connection therewith, der.zwei Has printing areas, of which the second is substantially larger than the first, on which the predetermined number of signals for biasing the bolt in the engagement position with the counter acts while the output signal can be transferred to the unlocking and by acting on the second pressure surface to disengage the bolt acted upon the piston away from the counter in the opposite direction. 19 · Device according to claim 1 $, characterized in that that the control device comprises a rotatable cylindrical selection element, the angular distribution of which enables the selection of the number of pulses per operating period, and that the selection element can be locked or latched in the selected position. 209819/0059 20. Apparatus according to claim 15 _T, characterized in that the valve device comprises a first valve, which is closed in the rest position, that the counting member has a ratchet wheel movable through the input device in a first direction of rotation and after the predetermined number of signals has been supplied to the first valve This attacks for the transmission of the output signal that the counting device has a lock with a seal which holds the counting member by pretensioning in its engaged position and to which a piston is connected to disengage the bolt from the engaged position, and that the piston opens when the first valve is opened can be acted upon by the output signal, so that the counter element can return to its initial position. 21. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized net that to return the counter to its initial position a return spring is available after the latch has released it. 22. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the valve device has a second in its Rest position includes open valve that closes at the same time with the opening of the first valve and in his The rest position can be returned as soon as the counting member returns to its initial position, so that the pressure on the locking piston can be relieved is and the bolt with the counter comes into engagement again. 209819/0059 25 · Device according to claim 21, characterized in that that the control device comprises a rotatable selection element with a first stop pin attached thereto, the angular adjustment of the selector element determines the number of pulses per operating period of the device that the The selector element can be locked or latched in the selected position so that the counting element has a protruding therefrom has a second stop pin which can be brought into contact with the first stop pin, and that the counting element together the second stop pin by means of the return spring to determine the starting position on the first stop pin Plant can be brought. 24 ·. Device according to Claim 14, characterized in that it is marked e t that the valve device comprises a working valve and a normally closed Umlauü & entil that the Counting member is linearly movable and the control device has a reciprocating and rotatable selector element, the angle of which is the number of pulses per operating period of the device and that by the counting device in can be driven in a first linear direction, whereby the working valve can be actuated and, after opening, the output pulse transmits that the counting device also has a lock with a spring-loaded bolt that the Holds counting member in its engaged position and with the disengagement of the bolt from the engaged position with the counting member a release piston is connected to which the output signal can be acted upon as soon as the working valve opens, so that the counter can return to its initial position. 209819/0059 25 · Device according to claim 24, characterized in that that to return the selector to its initial position after releasing the counting member by the bolt a Bückholfeder is available. 26. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that that a circulation valve can be actuated by the counter when it returns to the initial position and after opening the release piston is relieved of pressure so that the bolt can come into engagement with the counting member again. 27- device according to claim 25, characterized in that that the selection element has a number of angularly offset axial slots of different lengths and that the counting member carries one of them a steepening pin that is connected to one of the Slots can be brought to bear. 28. Device according to claim 1 or 1 :? ₅ characterized in that the signals can be supplied in i'orm of air pressure pulses. 209819/0059